Chemoterapy induced taste and smell changes in pediatric cancer patients

METHODS

Our study group consisted of 66 pediatric cancer patients
whose families accepted to participate. They were asked a 18-
item- questionnaire.

RESULTS

Taste and smell changes were detected in 56 patients (84%)
and 61 patients (92%) respectively with no difference in boys
and girls. The rate of taste changes of patients ≤10 years old
was 72% whereas for the older patients, this rate was 91%.
The most frequent complaint was bitter taste change in all age
groups. There was no difference between their chemotherapy
regimens.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that changes in taste and smell in children were
as frequent as in adults. It was ignored by most of the patients
but some of them were trying to take some corrective measures.

Keywords: Children; cancer; chemotherap; smell; taste